Investors interested in Schools stocks are likely familiar with TAL Education (TAL - Free Report) and Laureate Education (LAUR - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now? We'll need to take a closer look.
There are plenty of strategies for discovering value stocks, but we have found that pairing a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system produces the best returns. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits.
Currently, TAL Education has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy), while Laureate Education has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). The Zacks Rank favors stocks that have recently seen positive revisions to their earnings estimates, so investors should rest assured that TAL has an improving earnings outlook. But this is only part of the picture for value investors.
Value investors are also interested in a number of tried-and-true valuation metrics that help show when a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.
Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.
TAL currently has a forward P/E ratio of 10.48, while LAUR has a forward P/E of 18.13. We also note that TAL has a PEG ratio of 0.77. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. LAUR currently has a PEG ratio of 1.21.
Another notable valuation metric for TAL is its P/B ratio of 1.65. The P/B ratio is used to compare a stock's market value with its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, LAUR has a P/B of 4.63.
These metrics, and several others, help TAL earn a Value grade of A, while LAUR has been given a Value grade of C.
TAL stands above LAUR thanks to its solid earnings outlook, and based on these valuation figures, we also feel that TAL is the superior value option right now.
Handelsbanken Fonder AB decreased its holdings in Laureate Education (NASDAQ:LAUR – Free Report) by 71.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 45,719 shares of the company’s stock after selling 116,700 shares during the period. Handelsbanken Fonder AB’s holdings in Laureate Education were worth $1,661,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of LAUR. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Laureate Education by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,403,265 shares of the company’s stock worth $114,605,000 after buying an additional 92,571 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its stake in Laureate Education by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,272,264 shares of the company’s stock valued at $76,506,000 after acquiring an additional 105,712 shares during the period. William Blair Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Laureate Education by 52.6% in the 4th quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 2,654,708 shares of the company’s stock valued at $89,384,000 after acquiring an additional 915,358 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in Laureate Education by 55.7% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,266,565 shares of the company’s stock worth $76,315,000 after acquiring an additional 811,108 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC increased its holdings in Laureate Education by 7.3% in the 4th quarter. Nuveen LLC now owns 1,827,026 shares of the company’s stock worth $61,516,000 after acquiring an additional 123,525 shares in the last quarter. 96.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.
Laureate Education Trading Up 0.2% Shares of Laureate Education stock opened at $37.71 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $37.44 and its 200-day simple moving average is $34.87. The stock has a market cap of $5.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.40. Laureate Education has a 1-year low of $24.98 and a 1-year high of $40.92.
Laureate Education (NASDAQ:LAUR – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The company reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.04. Laureate Education had a return on equity of 23.54% and a net margin of 17.57%.The firm had revenue of $615.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $607.56 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.79 earnings per share. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 17.5% on a year-over-year basis. Laureate Education has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.040-2.100 EPS. Analysts predict that Laureate Education will post 2.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In LAUR has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Laureate Education from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, April 29th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Laureate Education from a “buy (b+)” rating to a “buy (a-)” rating in a research note on Thursday. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Laureate Education from $37.50 to $39.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, May 1st. Morgan Stanley cut Laureate Education from an “equal weight” rating to an “underweight” rating and set a $34.50 price objective on the stock. in a report on Monday, July 27th. Finally, Barrington Research started coverage on Laureate Education in a report on Thursday, July 23rd. They set an “outperform” rating and a $45.00 target price for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $40.50.
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Laureate Education, Inc (NASDAQ: LAUR) is a leading global network of higher education institutions dedicated to providing undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs to a diverse student body. The company designs and delivers academic offerings through a combination of campus-based and online platforms, focusing on fields such as business, health sciences, engineering, education and hospitality management. By aligning its curriculum with regional workforce needs, Laureate aims to equip students with practical skills and industry insights that support career advancement and lifelong learning.
Through its network, Laureate operates a broad portfolio of universities and colleges, including both longstanding campus institutions and digitally native programs.
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Covista (NYSE: CVSA), America's largest healthcare educator, today announced an expanded leadership role for Scott Liles and the addition of Rick Sinkfield as V
Investors looking for stocks in the Schools sector might want to consider either Laureate Education (LAUR - Free Report) or Universal Technical Institute (UTI - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.
The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits.
Laureate Education and Universal Technical Institute are sporting Zacks Ranks of #2 (Buy) and #3 (Hold), respectively, right now. Investors should feel comfortable knowing that LAUR likely has seen a stronger improvement to its earnings outlook than UTI has recently. But this is just one piece of the puzzle for value investors.
Value investors also try to analyze a wide range of traditional figures and metrics to help determine whether a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.
Our Value category highlights undervalued companies by looking at a variety of key metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, as well as the P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that have been used by value investors for years.
LAUR currently has a forward P/E ratio of 17.89, while UTI has a forward P/E of 54.37. We also note that LAUR has a PEG ratio of 1.19. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. UTI currently has a PEG ratio of 3.62.
Another notable valuation metric for LAUR is its P/B ratio of 4.62. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, UTI has a P/B of 6.69.
Based on these metrics and many more, LAUR holds a Value grade of B, while UTI has a Value grade of D.
LAUR is currently sporting an improving earnings outlook, which makes it stick out in our Zacks Rank model. And, based on the above valuation metrics, we feel that LAUR is likely the superior value option right now.
Laureate Education NASDAQ: LAUR raised its full-year 2026 outlook after reporting higher enrollments, revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter, supported by operating performance and favorable currency translation.
President and Chief Executive Officer Eilif Serck-Hanssen said year-to-date new enrollments increased 10% through June, while total enrollments rose 6% from the comparable prior-year period. On a timing-adjusted, constant-currency basis, revenue increased 7% during the first half.
The company also announced that its board authorized a $150 million increase to its share repurchase program. Laureate repurchased $181 million of common stock during the first half of 2026.
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Second-Quarter Results Second-quarter revenue was $616 million and adjusted EBITDA was $251 million, both above the company's prior guidance, Chief Financial Officer Rick Buskirk said. On a constant-currency basis, revenue and adjusted EBITDA each increased 8% year over year.
Laureate reported net income of $137 million, or $0.98 per share, for the quarter. Adjusted net income totaled $140 million, or $1.00 per share.
Buskirk noted that campus-based higher education has seasonal characteristics, with the second and fourth quarters typically representing the strongest periods for revenue and adjusted EBITDA because students are in session. The timing of academic calendars and class starts can affect comparisons between quarters, he said.
Mexico new enrollments rose 7% year to date, led by working-adult fully online programs. Mexico total enrollments increased 5%, while second-quarter revenue rose 10% and adjusted EBITDA increased 9% on a constant-currency basis. Peru total enrollments increased 8% year to date, supported by demand for fully online offerings for working adults. Peru second-quarter revenue increased 6% and adjusted EBITDA rose 7% on a constant-currency basis. In Mexico, revenue increased 6% year to date on a timing-adjusted basis, reflecting a 5% increase in average total enrollments and 1% price mix, Buskirk said. Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA declined 2% as the company invested in and ramped its new Puebla campus. Laureate expects margin accretion in Mexico to be weighted toward the second half of 2026.
In Peru, timing-adjusted year-to-date revenue increased 7% and adjusted EBITDA rose 13%. The company said fully online offerings have been scaling rapidly in the country, while planned face-to-face campus expansions are expected to begin ramping in 2027.
Raised 2026 Outlook Laureate increased its full-year guidance at the midpoint by $28 million for revenue, $8 million for adjusted EBITDA and $0.03 for adjusted earnings per share. The updated outlook reflects improved operating expectations and more favorable foreign exchange rates, Buskirk said.
The company now expects:
Total enrollments of 518,000 to 523,000, representing 4% to 5% growth from 2025. Revenue of $1.920 billion to $1.930 billion, up 13% on a reported basis and 6% to 7% on a constant-currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA of $593 million to $599 million, up 14% to 15% on a reported basis and 8% to 9% on a constant-currency basis. Adjusted earnings per share of $2.04 to $2.10, representing reported growth of 19% to 22% from 2025. At the midpoint of its outlook, Laureate expects approximately 50 basis points of reported adjusted EBITDA margin expansion for the year. It continues to expect adjusted EBITDA-to-unlevered-free-cash-flow conversion of about 50%.
For the third quarter, the company forecast revenue of $471 million to $476 million and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $134 million to $137 million. The outlook includes an expected $29 million favorable impact from intra-year academic-calendar timing.
Campus and Digital Expansion Plans Serck-Hanssen said the campuses opened last year in Monterrey, Mexico, and Lima's Ate District have performed in line with expectations. The company’s new Puebla campus has begun enrolling students for its primary September intake.
Laureate expects to open two additional campuses in 2027: one in southern Lima during the first quarter and another in Mérida, Mexico, ahead of the September intake. The company said it has secured multiple sites for additional campus opportunities in Mexico and Peru beyond 2027.
Management also emphasized investments in artificial intelligence, data and IT infrastructure. Serck-Hanssen said the company is working with technology partners to develop an integrated ecosystem of AI-powered learning, cloud and education tools for more than 500,000 students, faculty and staff across Mexico and Peru.
During the question-and-answer session, Serck-Hanssen said Mexico’s September primary intake, which accounts for roughly 60% of annual intake, was about halfway complete and tracking with his expectations. He said the June intake, largely focused on working adults and accounting for about 15% of annual intake, grew 12%.
Buskirk said Laureate has seen improved retention in Mexico, particularly in fully online programs, after examining the student journey from enrollment through graduation and introducing tools designed to reduce friction and support learning, including experimentation with an AI tutor.
Management said its online programs are targeted primarily at working adults ages 25 to 50, while younger students are generally recruited into face-to-face or hybrid offerings. Serck-Hanssen said fully online programs are priced about 40% below face-to-face programs but generate contribution margins in the mid-50% range, with lower capital expenditure requirements.
About Laureate Education (NASDAQ:LAUR)Laureate Education, Inc NASDAQ: LAUR is a leading global network of higher education institutions dedicated to providing undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs to a diverse student body. The company designs and delivers academic offerings through a combination of campus-based and online platforms, focusing on fields such as business, health sciences, engineering, education and hospitality management. By aligning its curriculum with regional workforce needs, Laureate aims to equip students with practical skills and industry insights that support career advancement and lifelong learning.
Through its network, Laureate operates a broad portfolio of universities and colleges, including both longstanding campus institutions and digitally native programs.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Q2 2026 Earnings Call July 30, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Company Participants
Adam Morse - Senior VP of Corporate Finance
Eilif Serck-Hanssen - President, CEO & Director
Richard Buskirk - Senior VP & CFO
Conference Call Participants
Jeffrey Silber - BMO Capital Markets Equity Research
Marcelo Santos - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Alexander Paris - Barrington Research Associates, Inc., Research Division
Mauricio Cepeda - Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Presentation
Operator
Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to Laureate Education's Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded.
I would now like to hand the conference over to your first speaker today, Adam Morse, Senior Vice President of Finance. Please go ahead.
Adam Morse
Senior VP of Corporate Finance
Good morning, and thank you for joining us on today's call to discuss Laureate Education's Second Quarter 2026 results. Joining me on the call today are Eilif Serck-Hanssen, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Rick Buskirk, Chief Financial Officer. Our earnings press release is available on the Investor Relations section of our website at laureate.net. We have also posted a supplementary presentation to the website, which we will be referring to during today's call. The call is being webcast and a complete recording will be available after the call.
I would like to remind you that some of the information we are providing today, including, but not limited to, our financial and operational guidance, constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those we expected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the
Laureate Education (LAUR - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $1 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.96 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.79 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +4.17%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this for-profit higher education purveyor would post a loss of $0.17 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.17, delivering no surprise.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates just once.
Laureate Education, which belongs to the Zacks Schools industry, posted revenues of $615.9 million for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.29%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $524.2 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Laureate Education shares have added about 14.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 6.9%.
What's Next for Laureate Education?While Laureate Education has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Laureate Education was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.47 on $476.3 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $2.09 on $1.92 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Schools is currently in the top 36% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
One other stock from the same industry, Covista (CVSA - Free Report) , is yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026. The results are expected to be released on August 6.
This for-profit education company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.90 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +14.5%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Covista's revenues are expected to be $485.01 million, up 6.1% from the year-ago quarter.
MIAMI, July 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAUR), which operates five higher education institutions across Mexico and Peru, today announced financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026.
Second Quarter 2026 Highlights (compared to second quarter 2025):
On a reported basis, revenue increased 17% to $615.9 million. On a constant currency basis1, revenue increased 8%.Operating income for the second quarter of 2026 was $223.4 million, compared to operating income of $193.3 million for the second quarter of 2025.Net income for the second quarter of 2026 was $137.1 million, compared to net income of $97.4 million for the second quarter of 2025.Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2026 was $250.6 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $214.5 million for the second quarter of 2025. Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 Highlights (compared to six months ended June 30, 2025):
New enrollments increased 10%.Total enrollments increased 6%.On a reported basis, revenue increased 17% to $888.5 million. On a constant currency basis1, revenue increased 6% and was unfavorably affected by approximately $9 million of intra-year academic calendar timing attributable to later semester start dates in the first half of 2026 as compared to the first half of 2025.Operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $195.9 million, compared to operating income of $180.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025.Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $115.5 million, compared to net income of $77.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025. The increase in net income was mainly driven by higher operating income as well as the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on intercompany balances compared to the 2025 period.Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $248.2 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $219.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025. Adjusted EBITDA in the first half of 2026 was unfavorably affected by approximately $9 million of intra-year academic calendar timing attributable to later semester start dates in 2026 as compared to 2025.Laureate expects that the intra-year academic calendar timing impacts on revenue and Adjusted EBITDA will be offset in the second half of the year.
1 Constant currency results exclude the period-over-period impact from currency fluctuations.
Eilif Serck-Hanssen, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Second quarter results demonstrate strong operating momentum, including the launch of a new campus and continued expansion of our digital capabilities to meet market demand. I am pleased to announce an increase to our full-year guidance. We are also adding $150 million to our share repurchase program, reflecting our strong balance sheet and commitment to returning capital to shareholders.”
Second Quarter 2026 Results
For the second quarter of 2026, revenue on a reported basis was $615.9 million, an increase of $91.7 million, or 17%, compared to the second quarter of 2025. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 8%. Operating income for the second quarter of 2026 was $223.4 million, compared to $193.3 million for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of $30.1 million. Net income for the second quarter of 2026 was $137.1 million, compared to net income of $97.4 million for the second quarter of 2025. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2026 were $0.98.
Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2026 was $250.6 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $214.5 million for the second quarter of 2025.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 Results
New enrollments for the six months ended June 30, 2026 increased 10%, compared to new enrollment activity for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and total enrollments were up 6% compared to the prior-year period. New and total enrollments in Peru increased 14% and 8%, respectively, compared to the prior-year period. New and total enrollments in Mexico were up 7% and 5%, respectively, compared to the prior-year period.
For the six months ended June 30, 2026, revenue on a reported basis was $888.5 million, an increase of $128.2 million, or 17%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 6%. Revenue for the first half of 2026 was unfavorably affected by approximately $9 million of intra-year academic calendar timing attributable to later semester start dates in 2026 as compared to 2025. Operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $195.9 million, compared to $180.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $15.8 million. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $115.5 million, compared to net income of $77.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025. The increase in net income was mainly driven by higher operating income as well as the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on intercompany balances compared to the 2025 period. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2026 were $0.82.
Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $248.2 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $219.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025. Adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2026 was unfavorably affected by approximately $9 million of intra-year academic calendar timing attributable to later semester start dates in the 2026 period as compared to the 2025 period.
Balance Sheet and Capital Structure
As of June 30, 2026, Laureate had $161.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and gross debt of $223.2 million. Accordingly, net debt was $61.5 million as of June 30, 2026.
Laureate repurchased approximately $76 million of its common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2026 under the existing stock repurchase program, almost fully utilizing the remaining authorization at that time. On July 30, 2026, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved an additional $150 million increase to the existing authorization for the Company’s stock repurchase program, which has no fixed expiration date.
As of June 30, 2026, Laureate had 137.7 million total shares outstanding.
Outlook for Fiscal 2026
Laureate is updating its 2026 outlook to reflect an improved operational outlook as well as more favorable foreign currency exchange rates.
Based on assumed foreign exchange rates2, Laureate expects its full-year 2026 results to be as follows:
Total enrollments are now expected to be in the range of 518,000 to 523,000 students, reflecting growth of 4%-5% versus 2025;Revenues are now expected to be in the range of $1,920 million to $1,930 million, reflecting growth of 13% on an as-reported basis and growth of 6%-7% on a constant currency basis versus 2025;Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to be in the range of $593 million to $599 million, reflecting growth of 14%-15% on an as-reported basis and 8%-9% on a constant currency basis versus 2025; andAdjusted EPS is now expected to be in the range of $2.04 - $2.10 per share3, reflecting growth of 19%-22% on an as-reported basis versus 2025. Reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP measures, specifically the outlook for 2026 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS, to the relevant forward-looking GAAP measures are not being provided, as Laureate does not currently have sufficient data to accurately estimate the variables and individual adjustments for such outlooks and reconciliations. Due to this uncertainty, Laureate cannot reconcile projected Adjusted EBITDA and projected Adjusted EPS to projected net income and projected earnings per share, respectively, without unreasonable effort. Please see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in this release for a discussion of certain risks related to this outlook.
Conference Call
Laureate will host an earnings conference call today at 8:30 am ET. Interested parties are invited to listen to the earnings call by registering at https://bit.ly/LAURQ22026 to receive dial-in information. The webcast of the conference call, including replays, and a copy of this press release and the related slides will be made available through the Investor Relations section of Laureate’s website at www.laureate.net.
2 Based on actual FX rates for January-July 2026, and assumed FX rates (local currency per U.S. Dollar) of MXN 17.55 and PEN 3.41 for August 2026 - December 2026. FX impact may change based on fluctuations in currency rates in future periods.
3 Assumes diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 139 million.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements that express Laureate’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Laureate’s actual results may vary significantly from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘seeks,’’ ‘‘approximately,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘estimates’’ or ‘‘anticipates’’ or similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans or intentions. In particular, statements regarding the amount, timing, process, tax treatment and impact of any future dividends represent forward-looking statements. All statements we make relating to guidance (including, but not limited to, total enrollments, revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS), and all statements we make relating to our current growth strategy and other future plans, strategies or transactions that may be identified, explored or implemented and any litigation or dispute resulting from any completed transaction are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, including with respect to our current growth strategy and the impact of any completed divestiture or separation transaction on our remaining businesses. Accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from those we expected. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2026, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed, and to be filed, with the SEC and other filings made with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the time of this release and we do not undertake to publicly update or revise them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to the results provided in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) throughout this press release, Laureate provides the non-GAAP measurements of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EPS, and total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents (or net debt). We have included the non-GAAP measures of Adjusted EBITDA and net debt because they are key measures used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to prepare and approve our annual budget and to develop short- and long-term operational plans. We have included the non-GAAP measures of Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS because management believes that these measures provide investors with better visibility into Laureate's underlying earnings as they exclude items that may not be indicative of our core operating results.
Adjusted EBITDA consists of net income (loss), before (income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, equity in net (income) loss of affiliates, net of tax, income tax expense (benefit), (gain) loss on disposal of subsidiaries, net, foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net, other (income) expense, net, interest expense, interest income, and loss on debt extinguishment, plus depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, and loss on impairment of assets. The exclusion of certain expenses in calculating Adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a key input into the formula used by the compensation committee of our board of directors and our Chief Executive Officer in connection with the payment of incentive compensation to our executive officers and other members of our management team. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
We define Adjusted net income as net income (loss), before (income) loss from discontinued operations, plus discrete tax items, loss on debt extinguishment, loss (gain) on disposal of subsidiaries, net, foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net, and loss on impairment of assets. We define Adjusted EPS as Adjusted net income divided by GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS provide a useful indicator about Laureate’s earnings from core operations.
Total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, (or net debt) consists of total gross debt less total cash and cash equivalents. Net debt provides a useful indicator about Laureate’s leverage and liquidity.
Free Cash Flow consists of operating cash flow minus capital expenditures (net of sales of PP&E). Free Cash Flow provides a useful indicator about Laureate’s ability to fund its operations and repay its debt.
Adjusted EBITDA to Unlevered Free Cash Flow Conversion consists of Unlevered Free Cash Flow (which is defined as cash flows from operating activities, less capital expenditures (net of sales of PP&E), plus net cash interest expense) divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA to Unlevered Free Cash Flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flows.
Laureate’s calculations of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EPS, and total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents (or net debt) are not necessarily comparable to calculations performed by other companies and reported as similarly titled measures. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS are reconciled from their most directly comparable GAAP measures in the attached tables under “Non-GAAP Reconciliations.”
We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe that providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency amounts using the change from prior-period average foreign exchange rates to current-period average foreign exchange rates, as applied to local-currency operating results for the current period.
About Laureate Education, Inc.
Laureate Education, Inc. operates five higher education institutions across Mexico and Peru, enrolling approximately 500,000 students in high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and specialized degree programs through campus-based and online learning. Our universities have a deep commitment to academic quality and innovation, strive for market-leading employability outcomes, and work to make higher education more accessible. At Laureate, we know that when our students succeed, countries prosper, and societies benefit. Learn more at laureate.net.
Key Metrics and Financial Tables
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, and may not sum due to rounding)
New and Total Enrollments by segment
New Enrollments Total Enrollments YTD 2Q
2026 YTD 2Q
2025 Change As of
06/30/2026 As of
06/30/2025 ChangeMexico70,200 65,600 7% 249,100 237,600 5%Peru72,200 63,400 14% 252,300 234,500 8%Laureate142,400 129,000 10% 501,400 472,100 6% Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,IN MILLIONS (except per share amounts) 2026 2025 Change 2026 2025 ChangeRevenues$615.9 $524.2 $91.7 $888.5 $760.3 $128.2 Costs and expenses: Direct costs 378.2 317.4 60.8 667.2 555.7 111.5 General and administrative expenses 14.2 13.5 0.7 25.4 24.5 0.9 Operating income 223.4 193.3 30.1 195.9 180.1 15.8 Interest income 1.5 1.4 0.1 3.4 2.9 0.5 Interest expense (4.2) (3.1) (1.1) (7.3) (5.5) (1.8)Other income, net — 0.8 (0.8) 0.5 0.8 (0.3)Foreign currency exchange loss, net (2.0) (25.6) 23.6 (1.0) (28.8) 27.8 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 218.8 166.8 52.0 191.5 149.5 42.0 Income tax expense (81.7) (69.4) (12.3) (76.0) (71.9) (4.1)Income from continuing operations 137.1 97.4 39.7 115.5 77.7 37.8 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — 0.2 (0.2)Net income 137.1 97.4 39.7 115.5 77.9 37.6 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — (2.3) 2.3 — (2.3) 2.3 Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.$137.1 $95.1 $42.0 $115.5 $75.6 $39.9 Basic and diluted earnings per share: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 139.2 146.1 (6.9) 140.7 149.1 (8.4)Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 139.9 146.8 (6.9) 141.6 149.8 (8.2)Basic earnings per share$0.98 $0.65 $0.33 $0.82 $0.51 $0.31 Diluted earnings per share$0.98 $0.65 $0.33 $0.82 $0.50 $0.32 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by segment
IN MILLIONS
% Change $ Variance ComponentsFor the three months ended June 30, 2026 2025 Reported Constant
Currency(1) Total Constant
Currency FXRevenues Mexico$269.0 $217.4 24% 10% $51.6 $21.8 $29.8Peru 346.9 306.7 13% 6% 40.2 18.9 21.3Corporate & Eliminations — 0.1 (100)% (100)% (0.1) (0.1) —Total Revenues$615.9 $524.2 17% 8% $91.7 $40.7 $51.1 Adjusted EBITDA Mexico$70.6 $57.4 23% 9% $13.2 $4.9 $8.3Peru 190.8 167.2 14% 7% 23.6 11.8 11.8Corporate & Eliminations (10.8) (10.2) (6)% (6)% (0.6) (0.6) —Total Adjusted EBITDA$250.6 $214.5 17% 8% $36.1 $16.1 $20.1 % Change $ Variance ComponentsFor the six months ended June 30, 2026 2025 Reported Constant
Currency(1) Total Constant
Currency FXRevenues Mexico$479.6 $406.6 18% 3% $73.0 $13.6 $59.4Peru 408.8 353.6 16% 8% 55.2 28.7 26.5Corporate & Eliminations — 0.1 (100)% (100)% (0.1) (0.1) —Total Revenues$888.5 $760.3 17% 6% $128.2 $42.3 $85.9 Adjusted EBITDA Mexico$112.1 $110.4 2% (11)% $1.7 $(12.5) $14.2Peru 155.8 128.4 21% 15% 27.4 18.8 8.6Corporate & Eliminations (19.7) (18.9) (4)% (4)% (0.8) (0.8) —Total Adjusted EBITDA$248.2 $219.8 13% 3% $28.4 $5.5 $22.8 (1) Constant Currency results exclude the period-over-period impact from currency fluctuations. Constant Currency is calculated using the change from prior-period average foreign exchange rates to current-period average foreign exchange rates, as applied to local-currency operating results for the current period. The “Constant Currency” percentage changes are calculated by dividing the Constant Currency amounts by the 2025 Revenues and Adjusted EBITDA amounts.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
IN MILLIONSJune 30, 2026 December 31, 2025 ChangeAssets Cash and cash equivalents$161.7 $146.7 $15.0 Receivables (current), net 159.5 134.7 24.8 Other current assets 44.2 36.9 7.3 Property and equipment, net 647.2 628.6 18.6 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 466.2 335.6 130.6 Goodwill and other intangible assets 816.4 803.5 12.9 Deferred income taxes 78.1 72.2 5.9 Other long-term assets 48.5 46.4 2.1 Current and long-term assets held for sale 1.7 1.7 — Total assets$2,423.5 $2,206.4 $217.1 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Accounts payable and accrued expenses$240.3 $242.4 $(2.1)Deferred revenue and student deposits 121.2 80.2 41.0 Total operating leases, including current portion 511.9 387.8 124.1 Total long-term debt, including current portion 222.1 127.7 94.4 Other liabilities 186.5 179.6 6.9 Total liabilities 1,282.0 1,017.6 264.4 Redeemable equity 0.7 1.4 (0.7)Total stockholders' equity 1,140.8 1,187.4 (46.6)Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$2,423.5 $2,206.4 $217.1 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30,IN MILLIONS 2026 2025 ChangeCash flows from operating activities Net income$115.5 $77.9 $37.6 Depreciation and amortization 45.6 33.7 11.9 Gain on lease terminations and disposals of subsidiaries and property and equipment, net (0.1) (0.3) 0.2 Deferred income taxes (4.6) (1.8) (2.8)Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss 0.7 28.9 (28.2)Income tax receivable/payable, net (3.7) 11.1 (14.8)Working capital, excluding tax accounts (25.1) (58.0) 32.9 Other non-cash adjustments 44.6 40.3 4.3 Net cash provided by operating activities 172.9 131.8 41.1 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property and equipment (35.5) (17.9) (17.6)Receipts from sales of property and equipment 0.1 0.1 — Net cash used in investing activities (35.5) (17.7) (17.8)Cash flows from financing activities Increase in long-term debt, net 67.8 0.4 67.4 Payments to repurchase common stock and excise tax payments (185.9) (71.6) (114.3)Financing other, net (4.6) (2.7) (1.9)Net cash used in financing activities (122.7) (73.8) (48.9)Effects of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash 0.6 4.8 (4.2)Change in cash included in current assets held for sale — (0.8) 0.8 Net change in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash 15.3 44.2 (28.9)Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period 152.1 97.9 54.2 Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period$167.4 $142.1 $25.3 Non-GAAP Reconciliation (1 of 3)
The following table reconciles Net income to Adjusted EBITDA:
For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,IN MILLIONS 2026 2025 Change 2026 2025 ChangeNet income$137.1 $97.4 $39.7 $115.5 $77.9 $37.6 Plus: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — (0.2) 0.2 Income from continuing operations 137.1 97.4 39.7 115.5 77.7 37.8 Plus: Income tax expense 81.7 69.4 12.3 76.0 71.9 4.1 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 218.8 166.8 52.0 191.5 149.5 42.0 Plus: Foreign currency exchange loss, net 2.0 25.6 (23.6) 1.0 28.8 (27.8)Other income, net — (0.8) 0.8 (0.5) (0.8) 0.3 Interest expense 4.2 3.1 1.1 7.3 5.5 1.8 Interest income (1.5) (1.4) (0.1) (3.4) (2.9) (0.5)Operating income 223.4 193.3 30.1 195.9 180.1 15.8 Plus: Depreciation and amortization 23.0 17.7 5.3 45.6 33.7 11.9 EBITDA 246.4 211.0 35.4 241.5 213.8 27.7 Plus: Share-based compensation expense(1) 4.1 3.5 0.6 6.7 5.9 0.8 Adjusted EBITDA$250.6 $214.5 $36.1 $248.2 $219.8 $28.4 (1) Represents non-cash, share-based compensation expense pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 718, "Stock Compensation."
Non-GAAP Reconciliations (2 of 3)
The following table reconciles Net income to Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS:
For the three months ended June 30, 2026 2025 IN MILLIONS, except per share amounts (per share)(1) (per share)(1)Net income$137.1 $0.98 $97.4 $0.65 Plus: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — Income from continuing operations 137.1 0.98 97.4 0.65 Plus: Discrete tax items(2) 0.7 0.01 (2.9) (0.02)Loss on debt extinguishment — — — — Loss on disposal of subsidiaries, net — — — — Foreign currency exchange loss, net 2.0 0.01 25.6 0.17 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — Adjusted net income$139.8 $1.00 $120.1 $0.80 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 139.9 146.8 (1) Per share amounts on a dilutive basis. Earnings per share is calculated based on income available to common shareholders, which excludes income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
(2) Discrete tax items for 2025 represent a non-recurring, non-cash income tax benefit of approximately $4.7 million that was recorded upon resolution of a tax contingency related to a dormant subsidiary, partially offset by $1.8 million interest expense related to legacy tax liabilities.
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, Laureate determined that the interest related to certain legacy tax liabilities, which is recorded as a component of income tax (benefit) expense and totaled $0.7 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively, should be excluded from Adjusted net income and treated as a discrete tax item as this provides a more useful indicator of Laureate's earnings from core operations. For comparability and to conform the prior year to the current presentation, Laureate has revised the 2025 amount for discrete tax items by $1.8 million to adjust for the interest related to these legacy tax liabilities that was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2025.
Non-GAAP Reconciliations (3 of 3)
The following table reconciles Net income to Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS:
For the six months ended June 30, 2026 2025 IN MILLIONS, except per share amounts (per share)(1) (per share)(1)Net income$115.5 $0.82 $77.9 $0.50 Plus: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (0.2) — Income from continuing operations 115.5 0.82 77.7 0.50 Plus: Discrete tax items(2) (0.6) — (1.0) (0.01)Loss on debt extinguishment — — — — Loss on disposal of subsidiaries, net — — — — Foreign currency exchange loss, net 1.0 0.01 28.8 0.19 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — Adjusted net income$115.9 $0.83 $105.5 $0.68 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 141.6 149.8 (1) Per share amounts on a dilutive basis. Earnings per share is calculated based on income available to common shareholders, which excludes income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
(2) Discrete tax items for 2025 represent a non-recurring, non-cash income tax benefit of approximately $4.7 million that was recorded upon resolution of a tax contingency related to a dormant subsidiary, partially offset by $3.7 million interest expense related to legacy tax liabilities.
The reduction of interest during the six months ended June 30, 2026 related to a court ruling that reduced a statutory interest rate. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, Laureate determined that the interest related to certain legacy tax liabilities, which is recorded as a component of income tax (benefit) expense and totaled $(0.6) million and $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively, should be excluded from Adjusted net income and treated as a discrete tax item as this provides a more useful indicator of Laureate's earnings from core operations. For comparability and to conform the prior year to the current presentation, Laureate has revised the 2025 amount for discrete tax items by $3.7 million to adjust for the interest related to these legacy tax liabilities that was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2025.
July 29, 2026 07:30 ET | Source: Laureate Education, Inc.
MIAMI, July 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAUR), a leading higher education company serving approximately 500,000 students across Mexico and Peru, today announced a three-year agreement with Google Cloud to accelerate its AI capabilities building across its network of institutions. Through this collaboration, Laureate will bring cloud infrastructure, collaboration and productivity tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovative skills and career programs into its universities. In service of Laureate's mission to expand access to quality higher education, academic leaders and faculty will put these resources to work to advance student success, employability, and the modernization of teaching, learning, and operations.
As part of this initiative, Laureate expects to deploy Gemini Enterprise, Google’s AI solution for organizations, alongside Google Cloud Platform, Google Workspace for Education, Gemini for Education and other Google AI offerings, along with cloud-skills and career-readiness programs such as Google Cloud Skills Boost. Together, these capabilities will unify data across hundreds of institutional applications, helping Laureate redesign the classroom experience to deliver more personalized learning for students and enhanced support for faculty. These offerings will be accompanied by implementation, innovation, and change-management services designed in collaboration with Laureate's institutions and consistent with local academic, regulatory, and operational requirements.
“Since our founding over 25 years ago, our mission has been to expand access to quality higher education and help students build better futures,” said Eilif Serck-Hanssen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laureate Education. “What makes us proud of this partnership is that it puts world-class technology in service of our students and in the hands of our faculty. Technology alone does not transform education, educators do. Working with Google Cloud allows our academic leaders and faculty to evolve what we teach, how we teach, and how we support learning; using AI to deliver more personalized experiences, strengthen the value proposition of a Laureate education, and better prepare future-ready graduates.”
“Technology reaches its full potential when it helps people solve real problems. By introducing Laureate’s powerful vision of an AI-enabled academic network across Mexico and Peru, we are bringing the full range of Google Cloud directly into the hands of the educators shaping the future. We share a deep commitment to promoting AI training and skill development, helping over half a million students break down information silos, overcome retention obstacles, and master the modern cloud and AI skills that the global workforce rewards”, said Milton Larsen, Managing Director for the LATAM Public Sector at Google Cloud.
Laureate's strategic imperatives are clear: prepare graduates to be job-ready in a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI; use technology to personalize each student's learning journey and help them realize their full potential; and expand access by continually strengthening the value of a Laureate education. With Google Cloud’s capabilities supporting these priorities, the initiative advances across the three pillars: what Laureate teaches, how it teaches, and the evolving value for students.
About Laureate Education, Inc.
Laureate Education, Inc. operates five higher education institutions across Mexico and Peru, enrolling approximately 500,000 students in high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and specialized degree programs through campus-based and online learning. Our universities have a deep commitment to academic quality and innovation, strive for market-leading employability outcomes, and work to make higher education more accessible. At Laureate, we know that when our students succeed, countries prosper, and societies benefit. Learn more at laureate.net.
Media Contacts:
Laureate Education
Adam Smith [email protected]
U.S.: +1 (443) 255 0724
Source: Laureate Education, Inc.
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP trimmed its position in shares of Laureate Education (NASDAQ:LAUR – Free Report) by 11.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,189,217 shares of the company’s stock after selling 516,184 shares during the quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned 2.93% of Laureate Education worth $145,940,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in Laureate Education during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in Laureate Education by 109.0% in the fourth quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,097 shares of the company’s stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 572 shares during the period. Summit Securities Group LLC acquired a new position in Laureate Education in the fourth quarter valued at about $43,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Laureate Education by 328.6% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,650 shares of the company’s stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 1,265 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mcguire Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Laureate Education in the fourth quarter worth about $100,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.27% of the company’s stock.
Laureate Education Price Performance Shares of LAUR stock opened at $37.00 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Laureate Education has a 1 year low of $21.53 and a 1 year high of $40.75. The firm’s fifty day moving average price is $36.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $34.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.47, a PEG ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.40.
Laureate Education (NASDAQ:LAUR – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 30th. The company reported ($0.17) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.24) by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $272.61 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $265.06 million. Laureate Education had a net margin of 16.08% and a return on equity of 22.07%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 15.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.13) EPS. Laureate Education has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.000-2.080 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Laureate Education will post 2.08 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Analysts Set New Price Targets LAUR has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. UBS Group raised their price target on Laureate Education from $37.50 to $39.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, May 1st. Weiss Ratings raised Laureate Education from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “buy (b)” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 2nd. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Laureate Education from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, April 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Laureate Education from $41.50 to $41.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, June 4th. Finally, Barrington Research initiated coverage on shares of Laureate Education in a research note on Thursday. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $45.00 price target on the stock. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $40.90.
View Our Latest Research Report on Laureate Education
Laureate Education Company Profile (Free Report)
Laureate Education, Inc (NASDAQ: LAUR) is a leading global network of higher education institutions dedicated to providing undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs to a diverse student body. The company designs and delivers academic offerings through a combination of campus-based and online platforms, focusing on fields such as business, health sciences, engineering, education and hospitality management. By aligning its curriculum with regional workforce needs, Laureate aims to equip students with practical skills and industry insights that support career advancement and lifelong learning.
Through its network, Laureate operates a broad portfolio of universities and colleges, including both longstanding campus institutions and digitally native programs.
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Investors in Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Sep 18, 2026 $35 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Laureate Education shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Laureate Education is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Schools industry that ranks in the Bottom 37% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, no analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while one analyst has revised the estimate downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $1.01 per share to 97 cents in that period.
Given the way analysts feel about Laureate Education right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
June 30, 2026 16:15 ET | Source: Laureate Education, Inc.
MIAMI, June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAUR) plans to release results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, before the stock market opens. Following the release, the Company will host a conference call with investors and analysts at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the second quarter results and the Company's business outlook.
Interested parties are invited to listen to the earnings conference call by registering here to receive dial in information.
The webcast of the conference call, including replays, and a copy of the earnings release and the related slides will be made available through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.laureate.net.
About Laureate Education, Inc.
Laureate Education, Inc. operates five higher education institutions across Mexico and Peru, enrolling approximately 500,000 students in high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and specialized degree programs through campus-based and online learning. Our universities have a deep commitment to academic quality and innovation, strive for market-leading employability outcomes, and work to make higher education more accessible. At Laureate, we know that when our students succeed, countries prosper, and societies benefit.
Laureate Education remains a Buy due to strong revenue growth and attractive valuation, despite recent profitability pressures. LAUR's 2026 revenue guidance of $1.89–$1.905 billion and EBITDA of $583–$593 million signal robust top- and bottom-line expansion. Enrollment growth in both Mexico and Peru, aided by favorable pricing and currency effects, underpins management's optimistic outlook.
Harvest Investment Services bought 110,675 shares of Laureate Education in the fourth quarter; the estimated trade size was $3.42 million based on quarterly average pricing. Meanwhile, the quarter-end position value rose by $3.85 million, reflecting both the share addition and share price movement.
Algert Global LLC increased its holdings in Laureate Education (NASDAQ: LAUR) by 75.5% in the undefined quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 649,588 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 279,513 shares during the period. Algert Global LLC owned about 0.44% of Laureate
Investors seek growth stocks to capitalize on above-average growth in financials that help these securities grab the market's attention and produce exceptional returns. But finding a great growth stock is not easy at all.
In addition to volatility, these stocks carry above-average risk by their very nature. Also, one could end up losing from a stock whose growth story is actually over or nearing its end.
However, the Zacks Growth Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which looks beyond the traditional growth attributes to analyze a company's real growth prospects, makes it pretty easy to find cutting-edge growth stocks.
Laureate Education (LAUR - Free Report) is on the list of such stocks currently recommended by our proprietary system. In addition to a favorable Growth Score, it carries a top Zacks Rank.
Research shows that stocks carrying the best growth features consistently beat the market. And returns are even better for stocks that possess the combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).
Here are three of the most important factors that make the stock of this for-profit higher education purveyor a great growth pick right now.
Earnings GrowthArguably nothing is more important than earnings growth, as surging profit levels is what most investors are after. For growth investors, double-digit earnings growth is highly preferable, as it is often perceived as an indication of strong prospects (and stock price gains) for the company under consideration.
While the historical EPS growth rate for Laureate Education is 90.4%, investors should actually focus on the projected growth. The company's EPS is expected to grow 25.6% this year, crushing the industry average, which calls for EPS growth of 12.8%.
Impressive Asset Utilization RatioGrowth investors often overlook asset utilization ratio, also known as sales-to-total-assets (S/TA) ratio, but it is an important feature of a real growth stock. This metric exhibits how efficiently a firm is utilizing its assets to generate sales.
Right now, Laureate Education has an S/TA ratio of 0.83, which means that the company gets $0.83 in sales for each dollar in assets. Comparing this to the industry average of 0.68, it can be said that the company is more efficient.
In addition to efficiency in generating sales, sales growth plays an important role. And Laureate Education is well positioned from a sales growth perspective too. The company's sales are expected to grow 13.2% this year versus the industry average of 4.6%.
Promising Earnings Estimate RevisionsBeyond the metrics outlined above, investors should consider the trend in earnings estimate revisions. A positive trend is a plus here. Empirical research shows that there is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
There have been upward revisions in current-year earnings estimates for Laureate Education. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has surged 8.1% over the past month.
Bottom LineWhile the overall earnings estimate revisions have made Laureate Education a Zacks Rank #2 stock, it has earned itself a Growth Score of B based on a number of factors, including the ones discussed above.
You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
This combination positions Laureate Education well for outperformance, so growth investors may want to bet on it.
Laureate Education (NASDAQ: LAUR - Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of "Buy" from the six research firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the
Richard M. Buskirk, SVP & Chief Financial Officer of Laureate Education (LAUR 3.14%), reported the direct sale of shares, as disclosed in the SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueShares sold (direct)61,803Transaction value~$2.08 millionPost-transaction shares (direct)246,577Post-transaction value (direct ownership)~$8.21 millionTransaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($33.69); post-transaction value based on March 11, 2026 market close ($33.31).
Key questionsHow does this sale compare to Buskirk's historical trading pattern?
Buskirk has made only two direct sales in the past year, with this transaction representing the largest single-day disposition, accounting for 20.04% of his direct holdings and exceeding the previous median sell size of 34,517.5 shares in the recent period.Was this transaction part of a derivative-related event?
Yes, the sale was executed immediately after exercising options for 2,803 shares, with the majority of the transaction involving direct share sales; the derivative context was limited in scope and did not materially alter his overall equity exposure.What is the current insider ownership stake following this transaction?
Buskirk's direct holdings stand at 246,577 shares, representing approximately 0.17% of the company's shares outstanding as of the latest available data.Did this activity affect indirect or trust-related holdings?
No, all traded shares were held directly, with no involvement of indirect holdings, trusts, or other entities, and his indirect share balance remains at zero.Company overviewMetricValueEmployees31,800Revenue (TTM)$1.70 billionNet income (TTM)$281.67 million1-year price change74.50%* 1-year price change calculated using March 11, 2026 as the reference date.
Company snapshotOffers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, health sciences, engineering, and information technology through campus-based, online, and hybrid formats across Mexico, Peru, and the United States.Generates revenue primarily from tuition and educational services provided by its network of universities and higher education institutions.Targets students seeking higher education, with a focus on emerging markets in Latin America and select U.S. locations.Laureate Education operates a large-scale network of universities serving over 31,000 employees and a wide student base, with a strategic presence in Latin America and the U.S. The company leverages a diversified program portfolio and multi-channel delivery to address the growing demand for accessible, quality higher education. Its competitive edge stems from its established brand, regional expertise, and scalable education services model.
What this transaction means for investorsGiven the performance of Laureate Education stock over the last few years, Buskirk’s stock sale should not come as a surprise.
He has been with the company since 2021, and over the last five years, the stock has been up by more than 130%.
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Moreover, investors should keep in mind that Buskirk retained almost 80% of his direct holdings in the consumer discretionary stock. Thus, he probably sold for reasons not related to the company’s performance.
Indeed, it remains on a positive growth path, with its $1.7 billion in revenue in 2025 rising by 9% yearly. Also, while its $282 million in net income dropped by 5%, the decline occurred as a result of foreign currency losses and not its operations.
Additionally, its valuation has steadily dropped during Buskirk’s tenure, and Laureate trades at just 17 times earnings. Under such conditions, one might expect him and other shareholders to keep most of their shares.
Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Investors interested in Consumer Discretionary stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Is Laureate Education (LAUR - Free Report) one of those stocks right now? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Consumer Discretionary sector should help us answer this question.
Laureate Education is a member of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This group includes 257 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #5. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.
The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. Laureate Education is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for LAUR's full-year earnings has moved 8.1% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.
According to our latest data, LAUR has moved about 3.3% on a year-to-date basis. At the same time, Consumer Discretionary stocks have lost an average of 10.2%. This means that Laureate Education is performing better than its sector in terms of year-to-date returns.
One other Consumer Discretionary stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is Lifetime Brands (LCUT - Free Report) . The stock is up 24.8% year-to-date.
Over the past three months, Lifetime Brands' consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 35.6%. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
To break things down more, Laureate Education belongs to the Schools industry, a group that includes 18 individual companies and currently sits at #17 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has gained an average of 4% so far this year, meaning that LAUR is slightly underperforming its industry in terms of year-to-date returns.
Lifetime Brands, however, belongs to the Consumer Products - Discretionary industry. Currently, this 28-stock industry is ranked #81. The industry has moved +10.8% so far this year.
Going forward, investors interested in Consumer Discretionary stocks should continue to pay close attention to Laureate Education and Lifetime Brands as they could maintain their solid performance.
Laureate Education is a leading for-profit education provider in Mexico and Peru, showing robust organic growth and operational expansion. Revenue grew from $1.48 billion in 2023 to $1.70 billion in 2025, with net income nearly tripling and strong cash flow improvements. Management guides for 2026 revenue of $1.89–$1.91 billion and EBITDA of $583–$593 million, with enrollment expected to grow 4.2% year over year.
Laureate Education (NASDAQ:LAUR – Get Free Report) and China Bilingual Technology & Education Group (OTCMKTS:CATG – Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation and dividends.
Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Laureate Education and China Bilingual Technology & Education Group, as reported by MarketBeat.com.
Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Laureate Education 0 1 4 1 3.00 China Bilingual Technology & Education Group 0 0 0 0 0.00 Laureate Education presently has a consensus price target of $39.63, suggesting a potential upside of 15.86%. Given Laureate Education’s stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Laureate Education is more favorable than China Bilingual Technology & Education Group.
Institutional and Insider Ownership 96.3% of Laureate Education shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.2% of Laureate Education shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.
Volatility and Risk Laureate Education has a beta of 0.56, indicating that its share price is 44% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, China Bilingual Technology & Education Group has a beta of -2.26, indicating that its share price is 326% less volatile than the S&P 500.
Profitability This table compares Laureate Education and China Bilingual Technology & Education Group’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Laureate Education 16.55% 23.50% 12.19% China Bilingual Technology & Education Group N/A N/A N/A Earnings and Valuation This table compares Laureate Education and China Bilingual Technology & Education Group”s top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.
Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Laureate Education $1.70 billion 2.87 $281.63 million $1.92 17.81 China Bilingual Technology & Education Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Laureate Education has higher revenue and earnings than China Bilingual Technology & Education Group.
Summary Laureate Education beats China Bilingual Technology & Education Group on 11 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Laureate Education (Get Free Report)
Laureate Education, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, offers higher education programs and services to students through a network of universities and higher education institutions. The company provides a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the areas of business and management, medicine and health sciences, and engineering and information technology through campus-based, online, and hybrid programs. It also offers specialized courses for technical and vocational training; and senior high school. Its services are provides in Mexico, Peru, and the United States. The company was formerly known as Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and changed its name to Laureate Education, Inc. in May 2004. Laureate Education, Inc. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
About China Bilingual Technology & Education Group (Get Free Report)
Capstone Technologies Group, Inc. intends to operate as a holding company. It engages in customer data platform market, and provides software design, development, and other services. The company was formerly known as China Bilingual Technology & Education Group Inc. and changed its name to Capstone Technologies Group, Inc. in April 2017. Capstone Technologies Group, Inc. is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Investors seek growth stocks to capitalize on above-average growth in financials that help these securities grab the market's attention and produce exceptional returns. But finding a growth stock that can live up to its true potential can be a tough task.
That's because, these stocks usually carry above-average risk and volatility. In fact, betting on a stock for which the growth story is actually over or nearing its end could lead to significant loss.
However, the Zacks Growth Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which looks beyond the traditional growth attributes to analyze a company's real growth prospects, makes it pretty easy to find cutting-edge growth stocks.
Our proprietary system currently recommends Laureate Education (LAUR - Free Report) as one such stock. This company not only has a favorable Growth Score, but also carries a top Zacks Rank.
Research shows that stocks carrying the best growth features consistently beat the market. And returns are even better for stocks that possess the combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).
Here are three of the most important factors that make the stock of this for-profit higher education purveyor a great growth pick right now.
Earnings GrowthArguably nothing is more important than earnings growth, as surging profit levels is what most investors are after. For growth investors, double-digit earnings growth is highly preferable, as it is often perceived as an indication of strong prospects (and stock price gains) for the company under consideration.
While the historical EPS growth rate for Laureate Education is 90.4%, investors should actually focus on the projected growth. The company's EPS is expected to grow 25.6% this year, crushing the industry average, which calls for EPS growth of 12.8%.
Impressive Asset Utilization RatioGrowth investors often overlook asset utilization ratio, also known as sales-to-total-assets (S/TA) ratio, but it is an important feature of a real growth stock. This metric shows how efficiently a firm is utilizing its assets to generate sales.
Right now, Laureate Education has an S/TA ratio of 0.83, which means that the company gets $0.83 in sales for each dollar in assets. Comparing this to the industry average of 0.68, it can be said that the company is more efficient.
While the level of efficiency in generating sales matters a lot, so does the sales growth of a company. And Laureate Education looks attractive from a sales growth perspective as well. The company's sales are expected to grow 13.2% this year versus the industry average of 4.1%.
Promising Earnings Estimate RevisionsBeyond the metrics outlined above, investors should consider the trend in earnings estimate revisions. A positive trend is a plus here. Empirical research shows that there is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
The current-year earnings estimates for Laureate Education have been revising upward. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has surged 11.1% over the past month.
Bottom LineLaureate Education has not only earned a Growth Score of B based on a number of factors, including the ones discussed above, but it also carries a Zacks Rank #2 because of the positive earnings estimate revisions.
You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
This combination indicates that Laureate Education is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors.
Here are five stocks added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List today:
Shell (SHEL - Free Report) : This company, which is one of the primary oil supermajors—a group of U.S. and Europe-based big energy multinationals with operations that span almost every corner of the globe, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 48.7% over the last 60 days.
Block (XYZ - Free Report) : This company, which offers financial and marketing services through its commerce ecosystem that helps sellers to start, run and grow their businesses, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10.3% over the last 60 days.
Under Armour (UAA - Free Report) : This company, which is a global leader in designing, marketing and distributing performance apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and youth, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10% over the last 60 days.
PACS Group, Inc. (PACS - Free Report) : This company, which invests in post-acute healthcare facilities, professionals and ancillary services, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 9.5% over the last 60 days.
Laureate Education (LAUR - Free Report) : This degree-granting higher education institutions, which offers high-quality undergraduate, graduate and specialized programs, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 5.4% over the last 60 days.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Check out this week’s current list of Best Stocks to Buy Now.
State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its position in shares of Laureate Education (NASDAQ: LAUR) by 278.1% during the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 27,907 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 20,527
On April 23, 2026, Laureate Education Inc (LAUR) shares fell 6.7% to a current price of $31.25. This decline comes against a backdrop of a 52-week price range o
MIAMI, April 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAUR), which operates five higher education institutions across Mexico and Peru, today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2026.
First Quarter 2026 Highlights (compared to first quarter 2025):
New enrollments increased 9%.Total enrollments increased 6%.On a reported basis, revenue increased 15% to $272.6 million. On a constant currency basis1, revenue increased 1% and was unfavorably affected by approximately $9 million of intra-year academic calendar timing attributable to later semester start dates in the first quarter of 2026 as compared to the first quarter of 2025.Operating loss for the first quarter of 2026 was $(27.5) million, compared to an operating loss of $(13.2) million for the first quarter of 2025. Operating results in the first quarter of 2026 were unfavorably affected by intra-year academic calendar timing as well as higher depreciation and amortization expenses related to growth initiatives including campus expansions and new campus investments as compared to the first quarter of 2025.Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 was $(21.6) million, compared to a net loss of $(19.6) million for the first quarter of 2025.Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter (seasonally low quarter) of 2026 was $(2.3) million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $5.4 million for the first quarter of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2026 was unfavorably affected by approximately $9 million of intra-year academic calendar timing attributable to later semester start dates in 2026 as compared to 2025.Laureate expects that the intra-year academic calendar timing impacts on revenue and Adjusted EBITDA will be offset in the third quarter.
Eilif Serck-Hanssen, President and Chief Executive Officer, said “We are pleased to report favorable new enrollment results from the recently completed primary intake cycle in Peru and the secondary intake cycle in Mexico. Our operating trends remain on track with our expectations for the year. Additionally, we continue to return excess capital to shareholders, having completed approximately $105 million in share repurchases during the first quarter. As a result, we are increasing our full-year Adjusted Earnings Per Share guidance.”
Mr. Serck-Hanssen added, “I am also proud to share that we recently published our annual Impact Report, highlighting the meaningful and measurable difference we make in the lives of our students and their families, by expanding access to quality higher education and serving as a vital part of our communities. Our impact is driven by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated faculty and staff who embody our values every day. I thank them for their unwavering commitment to our mission.”
1 Constant currency results exclude the period-over-period impact from currency fluctuations.
First Quarter 2026 Results
New enrollments for the first quarter of 2026 increased 9%, compared to new enrollment activity for the first quarter of 2025, and total enrollments were up 6% compared to the prior-year quarter.
Through the end of the enrollment intake cycle completed in April 2026, new and total enrollments also increased 9% and 6%, respectively, as compared to the comparable prior-year intake period. New enrollments in Peru increased 13% during the primary intake as compared to the comparable period in the prior-year, and total enrollments grew 8%. In Mexico, both new and total enrollments were up 4% during the secondary intake completed in April 2026, as compared to the comparable prior-year intake period.
For the first quarter of 2026, revenue on a reported basis was $272.6 million, an increase of $36.4 million, or 15%, compared to the first quarter of 2025. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 1%. Revenue for the first quarter of 2026 was unfavorably affected by approximately $9 million of intra-year academic calendar timing attributable to later semester start dates in 2026 as compared to 2025. Operating loss for the first quarter of 2026 was $(27.5) million, compared to an operating loss of $(13.2) million for the first quarter of 2025, a change of $14.3 million, mainly driven by the unfavorable effect of intra-year academic calendar timing of semester start dates in addition to higher depreciation and amortization expenses related to growth initiatives including campus expansions and new campus investments as compared to the first quarter of 2025. Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 was $(21.6) million, compared to $(19.6) million for the first quarter of 2025. Basic and diluted loss per share for the first quarter of 2026 was $(0.15), compared to $(0.13) for the first quarter of 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2026 was $(2.3) million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $5.4 million for the first quarter of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2026 was unfavorably affected by approximately $9 million of intra-year academic calendar timing attributable to later semester start dates in the 2026 period as compared to the 2025 period.
Balance Sheet and Capital Structure
As of March 31, 2026, Laureate had $157.4 million of cash and cash equivalents and gross debt of $217.1 million. Accordingly, net debt was $59.7 million as of March 31, 2026.
Laureate repurchased approximately $105 million of its common stock during the first quarter of 2026 under the existing stock repurchase program. As of March 31, 2026, Laureate had approximately $76 million of stock repurchase authorization remaining under its existing stock repurchase program.
As of March 31, 2026, Laureate had 140.0 million total shares outstanding.
Outlook for Fiscal 2026
Laureate is updating its 2026 outlook for Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Adjusted EPS) to reflect the impact from share repurchases completed during the first quarter.
Based on assumed foreign exchange rates2, Laureate expects its full-year 2026 results to be as follows:
Total enrollments are still expected to be in the range of 516,000 to 521,000 students, reflecting growth of 4%-5% versus 2025;Revenues are still expected to be in the range of $1,890 million to $1,905 million, reflecting growth of 11%-12% on an as-reported basis and growth of 6%-7% on a constant currency basis versus 2025;Adjusted EBITDA is still expected to be in the range of $583 million to $593 million, reflecting growth of 12%-14% on an as-reported basis and 7%-9% on a constant currency basis versus 2025; andAdjusted EPS is now expected to be in the range of $2.00 - $2.08 per share3, reflecting growth of 16%-21% on an as-reported basis. Reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP measures, specifically the outlook for 2026 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS, to the relevant forward-looking GAAP measures are not being provided, as Laureate does not currently have sufficient data to accurately estimate the variables and individual adjustments for such outlooks and reconciliations. Due to this uncertainty, Laureate cannot reconcile projected Adjusted EBITDA and projected Adjusted EPS to projected net income and projected earnings per share, respectively, without unreasonable effort. Please see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in this release for a discussion of certain risks related to this outlook.
Conference Call
Laureate will host an earnings conference call today at 8:30 am ET. Interested parties are invited to listen to the earnings call by registering at https://bit.ly/LAURQ12026 to receive dial-in information. The webcast of the conference call, including replays, and a copy of this press release and the related slides will be made available through the Investor Relations section of Laureate’s website at www.laureate.net.
2 Based on actual FX rates for January-April 2026, and assumed FX rates (local currency per U.S. Dollar) of MXN 17.95 and PEN 3.45 for May 2026 - December 2026. FX impact may change based on fluctuations in currency rates in future periods.
3 Assumes diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 141 million.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements that express Laureate’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Laureate’s actual results may vary significantly from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘seeks,’’ ‘‘approximately,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘estimates’’ or ‘‘anticipates’’ or similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans or intentions. In particular, statements regarding the amount, timing, process, tax treatment and impact of any future dividends represent forward-looking statements. All statements we make relating to guidance (including, but not limited to, total enrollments, revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS), and all statements we make relating to our current growth strategy and other future plans, strategies or transactions that may be identified, explored or implemented and any litigation or dispute resulting from any completed transaction are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, including with respect to our current growth strategy and the impact of any completed divestiture or separation transaction on our remaining businesses. Accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from those we expected. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2026, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed, and to be filed, with the SEC and other filings made with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the time of this release and we do not undertake to publicly update or revise them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to the results provided in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) throughout this press release, Laureate provides the non-GAAP measurements of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EPS, and total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents (or net debt). We have included the non-GAAP measures of Adjusted EBITDA and net debt because they are key measures used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to prepare and approve our annual budget and to develop short- and long-term operational plans. We have included the non-GAAP measures of Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS because management believes that these measures provide investors with better visibility into Laureate's underlying earnings as they exclude items that may not be indicative of our core operating results.
Adjusted EBITDA consists of net income (loss), before (income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, equity in net (income) loss of affiliates, net of tax, income tax expense (benefit), (gain) loss on disposal of subsidiaries, net, foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net, other (income) expense, net, interest expense, interest income, and loss on debt extinguishment, plus depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, and loss on impairment of assets. The exclusion of certain expenses in calculating Adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a key input into the formula used by the compensation committee of our board of directors and our Chief Executive Officer in connection with the payment of incentive compensation to our executive officers and other members of our management team. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
We define Adjusted net income as net income (loss), before (income) loss from discontinued operations, plus discrete tax items, loss on debt extinguishment, loss (gain) on disposal of subsidiaries, net, foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net, and loss on impairment of assets. We define Adjusted EPS as Adjusted net income divided by GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS provide a useful indicator about Laureate’s earnings from core operations.
Total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, (or net debt) consists of total gross debt less total cash and cash equivalents. Net debt provides a useful indicator about Laureate’s leverage and liquidity.
Free Cash Flow consists of operating cash flow minus capital expenditures (net of sales of PP&E). Free Cash Flow provides a useful indicator about Laureate’s ability to fund its operations and repay its debt.
Adjusted EBITDA to Unlevered Free Cash Flow Conversion consists of Unlevered Free Cash Flow (which is defined as cash flows from operating activities, less capital expenditures (net of sales of PP&E), plus net cash interest expense) divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA to Unlevered Free Cash Flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flows.
Laureate’s calculations of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EPS, and total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents (or net debt) are not necessarily comparable to calculations performed by other companies and reported as similarly titled measures. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS are reconciled from their most directly comparable GAAP measures in the attached tables under “Non-GAAP Reconciliations.”
We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe that providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency amounts using the change from prior-period average foreign exchange rates to current-period average foreign exchange rates, as applied to local-currency operating results for the current period.
About Laureate Education, Inc.
Laureate Education, Inc. operates five higher education institutions across Mexico and Peru, enrolling approximately 500,000 students in high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and specialized degree programs through campus-based and online learning. Our universities have a deep commitment to academic quality and innovation, strive for market-leading employability outcomes, and work to make higher education more accessible. At Laureate, we know that when our students succeed, countries prosper, and societies benefit. Learn more at laureate.net.
Key Metrics and Financial Tables
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, and may not sum due to rounding)
New and Total Enrollments by segment
New Enrollments Total Enrollments Change Change YTD 1Q 2026 YTD 1Q 2025 Total Timing
Adj.(1) As of 03/31/2026 As of 03/31/2025 Total Timing
Adj.(1)Mexico45,300 44,200 2% 4% 259,900 250,200 4% 4%Peru57,400 49,800 15% 13% 247,800 226,800 9% 8%Laureate102,700 94,000 9% 9% 507,700 477,000 6% 6%
(1) Includes enrollments through completion of the intake cycles that ended in April 2026 and April 2025
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the three months ended March 31,IN MILLIONS (except per share amounts) 2026 2025 ChangeRevenues$272.6 $236.2 $36.4 Costs and expenses: Direct costs 289.0 238.4 50.6 General and administrative expenses 11.1 11.0 0.1 Operating loss (27.5) (13.2) (14.3)Interest income 1.9 1.5 0.4 Interest expense (3.1) (2.4) (0.7)Other income, net 0.4 — 0.4 Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net 1.0 (3.2) 4.2 Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (27.3) (17.3) (10.0)Income tax benefit (expense) 5.7 (2.5) 8.2 Loss from continuing operations (21.6) (19.8) (1.8)Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — 0.2 (0.2)Net loss (21.6) (19.6) (2.0)Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — 0.1 (0.1)Net loss attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.$(21.6) $(19.5) $(2.1) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 142.3 147.6 (5.3)Basic and diluted loss per share$(0.15) $(0.13) $(0.02) Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by segmentIN MILLIONS
% Change $ Variance ComponentsFor the three months ended March 31, 2026 2025 Reported Constant
Currency(1) Total Constant
Currency FXRevenues Mexico$210.6 $189.3 11% (4)% $21.3 $(8.3) $29.6 Peru 62.0 46.9 32% 21% 15.1 9.9 5.2 Corporate & Eliminations — 0.1 (100)% (100)% (0.1) (0.1) — Total Revenues$272.6 $236.2 15% 1% $36.4 $1.6 $34.8 Adjusted EBITDA Mexico$41.5 $53.0 (22)% (33)% $(11.5) $(17.4) $5.9 Peru (34.9) (38.8) 10% 18% 3.9 7.1 (3.2)Corporate & Eliminations (8.9) (8.8) (1)% (1)% (0.1) (0.1) — Total Adjusted EBITDA$(2.3) $5.4 (143)% (193)% $(7.7) $(10.4) $2.7
(1) Constant Currency results exclude the period-over-period impact from currency fluctuations. Constant Currency is calculated using the change from prior-period average foreign exchange rates to current-period average foreign exchange rates, as applied to local-currency operating results for the current period. The “Constant Currency” percentage changes are calculated by dividing the Constant Currency amounts by the 2025 Revenues and Adjusted EBITDA amounts.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
IN MILLIONSMarch 31, 2026 December 31, 2025 ChangeAssets Cash and cash equivalents$157.4 $146.7 $10.7 Receivables (current), net 55.5 134.7 (79.2)Other current assets 57.8 36.9 20.9 Property and equipment, net 633.5 628.6 4.9 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 453.8 335.6 118.2 Goodwill and other intangible assets 800.3 803.5 (3.2)Deferred income taxes 74.6 72.2 2.4 Other long-term assets 46.7 46.4 0.3 Current and long-term assets held for sale 1.7 1.7 — Total assets$2,281.1 $2,206.4 $74.7 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Accounts payable and accrued expenses$211.2 $242.4 $(31.2)Deferred revenue and student deposits 130.4 80.2 50.2 Total operating leases, including current portion 506.9 387.8 119.1 Total long-term debt, including current portion 215.8 127.7 88.1 Other liabilities 167.5 179.6 (12.1)Total liabilities 1,231.7 1,017.6 214.1 Redeemable equity 1.4 1.4 — Total stockholders' equity 1,048.1 1,187.4 (139.3)Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$2,281.1 $2,206.4 $74.7 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the three months ended March 31,IN MILLIONS 2026 2025 ChangeCash flows from operating activities Net loss$(21.6) $(19.6) $(2.0)Depreciation and amortization 22.6 16.1 6.5 Gain on lease terminations and disposals of subsidiaries and property and equipment, net (0.1) (0.3) 0.2 Deferred income taxes (2.6) 4.9 (7.5)Unrealized foreign currency exchange (gain) loss (1.5) 2.9 (4.4)Income tax receivable/payable, net (31.9) (20.9) (11.0)Working capital, excluding tax accounts 74.6 56.0 18.6 Other non-cash adjustments 22.5 18.7 3.8 Net cash provided by operating activities 61.9 57.8 4.1 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property and equipment (8.3) (4.6) (3.7)Receipts from sales of property and equipment — 0.1 (0.1)Net cash used in investing activities (8.3) (4.6) (3.7)Cash flows from financing activities Increase in long-term debt, net 71.5 7.5 64.0 Payments to repurchase common stock and excise tax payments (108.2) (39.5) (68.7)Financing other, net (4.6) (2.7) (1.9)Net cash used in financing activities (41.3) (34.6) (6.7)Effects of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash (1.4) 0.9 (2.3)Change in cash included in current assets held for sale — (0.4) 0.4 Net change in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash 10.9 19.1 (8.2)Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period 152.1 97.9 54.2 Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period$163.0 $116.9 $46.1
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (1 of 2)
The following table reconciles Net loss to Adjusted EBITDA:
For the three months ended March 31,IN MILLIONS 2026 2025 ChangeNet loss$(21.6) $(19.6) $(2.0)Plus: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — (0.2) 0.2 Loss from continuing operations (21.6) (19.8) (1.8)Plus: Income tax (benefit) expense (5.7) 2.5 (8.2)Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (27.3) (17.3) (10.0)Plus: Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net (1.0) 3.2 (4.2)Other income, net (0.4) — (0.4)Interest expense 3.1 2.4 0.7 Interest income (1.9) (1.5) (0.4)Operating loss (27.5) (13.2) (14.3)Plus: Depreciation and amortization 22.6 16.1 6.5 EBITDA (4.9) 2.9 (7.8)Plus: Share-based compensation expense(1) 2.6 2.5 0.1 Adjusted EBITDA$(2.3) $5.4 $(7.7)
(1) Represents non-cash, share-based compensation expense pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 718, "Stock Compensation."
Non-GAAP Reconciliations (2 of 2)
The following table reconciles Net loss to Adjusted net loss and Adjusted EPS:
For the three months ended March 31, 2026 2025 IN MILLIONS, except per share amounts (per share)(1) (per share)(1)Net loss$(21.6) $(0.15) $(19.6) $(0.13)Plus: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (0.2) — Loss from continuing operations (21.6) (0.15) (19.8) (0.13)Plus: Discrete tax items(2) (1.3) (0.01) 1.9 0.01 Loss on debt extinguishment — — — — Loss on disposal of subsidiaries, net — — — — Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net (1.0) (0.01) 3.2 0.02 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — Adjusted net loss$(23.9) $(0.17) $(14.7) $(0.10) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 142.3 147.6
(1) Per share amounts on a dilutive basis. Earnings per share is calculated based on income available to common shareholders, which excludes income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
(2) Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, Laureate determined that the interest related to certain legacy tax liabilities, which is recorded as a component of income tax (benefit) expense and totaled $(1.3) million and $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, should be excluded from Adjusted net loss and treated as a discrete tax item as this provides a more useful indicator of Laureate's earnings from core operations. The reduction of interest during the three months ended March 31, 2026 related to a court ruling that reduced a statutory interest rate. For comparability and to conform the prior year to the current presentation, Laureate has revised the 2025 amount for discrete tax items by $1.9 million to adjust for the interest related to these legacy tax liabilities that was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Laureate Education (LAUR - Free Report) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.17 per share in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This compares to a loss of $0.11 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
A quarter ago, it was expected that this for-profit higher education purveyor would post earnings of $0.76 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.76, delivering no surprise.
Over the last four quarters, the company has not been able to surpass consensus EPS estimates.
Laureate Education, which belongs to the Zacks Schools industry, posted revenues of $272.6 million for the quarter ended March 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.11%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $236.2 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Laureate Education shares have lost about 6.2% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 4.2%.
What's Next for Laureate Education?While Laureate Education has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Laureate Education was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $1.00 on $605.33 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $2.14 on $1.94 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Schools is currently in the top 11% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
One other stock from the same industry, Universal Technical Institute (UTI - Free Report) , is yet to report results for the quarter ended March 2026. The results are expected to be released on May 6.
This school for auto, motorcycle and marine technicians is expected to post break-even quarterly earnings per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -100%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Universal Technical Institute's revenues are expected to be $221.45 million, up 6.8% from the year-ago quarter.
May 21, 2026 16:15 ET | Source: Laureate Education, Inc.
MIAMI, May 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAUR), which operates five higher education institutions across Mexico and Peru, today announced the election of Julian Coulter as an independent member of the Laureate Education, Inc. Board of Directors at today’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
“We are excited to welcome Julian Coulter to Laureate’s Board of Directors. Julian brings a strong combination of marketing leadership, digital expertise, and operating experience. We look forward to his contributions as we continue driving growth and creating meaningful long-term value for our shareholders,” said Andrew B. Cohen, Chair of the Board.
Eilif Serck-Hanssen, President and Chief Executive Officer, added, “Julian will bring to our Board critical skills and expertise in technological and commercial innovation as we are in a period of accelerated digital adoption and rising demand for AI enablement. His track record in these areas will add depth to the Company and support strong governance and long-term value creation.”
Mr. Coulter is the Global Managing Director, Food, Beverage & Restaurants at Google, Inc., a global technology company, and previously held various leadership positions at Google from 2018 to 2025 in Mexico and Peru. Prior to Google, Mr. Coulter held several other international digital strategy and commercial operations leadership positions, including at Sony Corporation and SABMiller. From 2019 to 2025, Mr. Coulter served as a Board Member of Delosi, S.A., an operator of international restaurant franchises including Starbucks and Burger King. Mr. Coulter earned a B.A. in Economics from Trinity College Dublin and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
As previously planned, Kenneth W. Freeman and Dr. Judith Rodin did not stand for re-election as directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, the management team and our stakeholders, I thank Ken and Judy for their many years of dedication, thoughtful leadership and valuable contributions. Their service on the Board and its committees has been instrumental in strengthening the Company’s governance and advancing our strategic and operational objectives,” said Mr. Cohen.
Following these changes, Laureate's Board is comprised of nine directors, eight of whom are independent. Laureate believes that maintaining a Board with the optimal mix of skills, expertise and experience is critical to the delivery of long-term value for stockholders and the achievement of superior academic outcomes for our students.
About Laureate Education, Inc.
Laureate Education, Inc. operates five higher education institutions across Mexico and Peru, enrolling approximately 500,000 students in high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and specialized degree programs through campus-based and online learning. Our universities have a deep commitment to academic quality and innovation, strive for market-leading employability outcomes, and work to make higher education more accessible. At Laureate, we know that when our students succeed, countries prosper, and societies benefit.
On June 09, 2026, Laureate Education Inc LAUR shares rose 3.1% today, trading at $35.22. The stock has shown a notable performance over the past year, with a 60.7% increase. It has fluctuated between a 52-week high of $37.91 and a low of $21.53.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price of $35.22 is 57.7% above the GF Value™ of $22.34, indicating the stock is overvalued.GF Score™ of 71/100 suggests the company is performing above average compared to its peers.Insiders sold $2.3 million in shares over the last three months, with no purchases indicating cautious sentiment. Is LAUR Overvalued or Undervalued? According to GF Value™, Laureate Education Inc is currently trading at a significant premium to its estimated fair value of $22.34. The current price of $35.22 represents a 57.7% overvaluation, suggesting that the stock carries a high risk for potential investors. A significant margin of safety is absent in this scenario, which often serves as a protective buffer for investors against unforeseen market fluctuations. The GF Valuation label classifies LAUR as "Significantly Overvalued," and this indicates that the stock price may be unsustainable in the long run.
While the potential for a stock to return to its fair value exists, the substantial overvaluation poses risks, particularly if market conditions shift or if the company's performance does not meet investor expectations. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
How Does LAUR's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 18.5x 17.3x Forward P/E 16.8x N/A Laureate Education's current P/E ratio of 18.5x is 7% higher than its 5-year median P/E of 17.3x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium relative to its historical valuation. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the idea that LAUR is overvalued at its current price level.
What Does LAUR's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 71 Financial Strength 6/10 Profitability 8/10 Growth 8/10 Valuation 3/10 Momentum 1/10 The GF Score™ of 71/100 indicates that Laureate Education is performing above average relative to its peers, particularly in areas like Profitability (8/10) and Growth (8/10). However, the Valuation score of 3/10 highlights a significant weakness in this area, which is consistent with the overvaluation indicated by the GF Value™. The low Momentum rank of 1/10 suggests that the stock may not be experiencing strong positive price movements, which could further contribute to volatility.
What Are Insiders Doing with LAUR Stock? In recent months, insider activity at Laureate Education has shown that insiders sold $2.3 million worth of shares without any buying activity. This pattern may suggest a lack of confidence among executives in the company's near-term prospects or an attempt to capitalize on the current high stock price. Such actions can often be a red flag for investors, indicating that those closest to the company might not expect significant appreciation in the stock's value in the near future.
What This Means for Investors Based on the analysis, Laureate Education Inc LAUR is currently overvalued according to the GF Value™ assessment. The significant premium over the estimated fair value poses risks for potential investors, and caution may be warranted given the recent insider selling activity.
For the complete analysis, visit the Laureate Education Inc LAUR stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is LAUR's GF Score™?
LAUR has a GF Score™ of 71/100, indicating it is performing above average compared to its peers.
Is LAUR overvalued or undervalued?
LAUR is considered overvalued, with a current price that is 57.7% higher than its estimated fair value of $22.34.
What is LAUR's P/E ratio?
LAUR's P/E (TTM) ratio is 18.5x, which is higher than its historical 5-year median of 17.3x, indicating a premium valuation.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
